This Brief documents the life, discoveries and inventions of the chemist
Carl Auer von Welsbach. Particular attention is given to his pioneering
work on the rare earth elements, including the discovery of four new
elements, which allowed him to develop new materials, to invent new
useful devices and to establish major industries.
From the invention of the incandescent gas mantle and first electric
incandescent lamps with metal filaments to the first mass production of
radium from pitchblende residues, readers will learn the story of his
notable legacy to the word through the lens of his rare earths
knowledge.